Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is set to announce Tuesday that former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl will fill the late Sen. John McCain’s Senate seat through at least the end of the year, The Arizona Republic reports.

The big picture: Kyl served for 18 years in the Senate and retired in 2013 when he was the second-highest-ranking Republican senator.

The intrigue: Kyl has served as the sherpa to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh through his confirmation process, and his appointment could give cushion to Kavanaugh's confirmation. Kavanaugh is testifying on Capitol Hill today.